Gerard Houllier fights back in Darren Bent saga

21 January 2011 04:43

Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier will lose no sleep over Steve Bruce's verbal outburst against him regarding the transfer of Darren Bent - and has accused the Sunderland boss of being ungracious.

Houllier came out all guns blazing in response to Bruce's attack over the way he acted during the sale of Bent to Villa for a club record £24million.

On the defensive: Houllier insists Villa went about signing Darren Bent (left) 'the right way'

He defended his stance in making nopersonal contact with Bruce while the transfer was being conducted. AndHoullier is adamant Villa, who host Manchester City on Saturday, actedin a proper manner throughout the transaction.

He said: 'I like Steve Bruce. Ithink he is a good manager. He is doing a good job. 'I think he was nottoo gracious to me but that's life. It is not going to prevent me fromsleeping, I can tell you that.

'If we had done something wrong, I would say "hands up" but we have behaved in a very proper way.

Hitting out: Bruce is furious with Houllier's conduct in the pursuit of Bent

'If I call Steve and say "I want hisplayer" he will go vocal and go public and it will be even worse. 'Heis working for the interests of Sunderland. I am working for theinterests of Aston Villa.

'You contact a manager when you wanta player on loan sometimes. A lot of fellow managers call me if theywant loans. 'This is the life of football. It makes me laugh more thananything else.

'Am I bothered about what he said? I prefer not to answer that question.'

He said: 'It's the same with Ian Holloway. We did things right with Blackpool.

In demand: Villa are among a number of clubs interested in Blackpool's influential skipper Charlie Adam

'We went straight to the club, we were quiet, we said nothing and finally it comes out in the press but not from Aston Villa.

'He said we were insulting them. Wemade a bid, they said no and we respect that. 'But there is no point inbeing vocal and saying we were insulting them and insulting the player.'They are insulting us but we don't want to go on about it.'

Houllier is still interested insigning Adam after having bids of £2.5million and £3.5million rejected.He said: 'We made no mystery after what was said by Holloway in thepress.

'It is true we made a bid and it is true we like the player. It is true we would like to have him here.'

On the warpath: Holloway claims Villa are trying to 'steal' Adam

Villa's other January signing, JeanMakoun, has finally been granted a work permit although the former Lyonmidfielder will not be involved against City.

He is set to make his debut inTuesday's rearranged clash at Wigan. Houllier said: 'Makoun should gethis visa today and he should be able to travel to England today.

'I don't think he will be involved against Manchester City. It is too early but he might be involved against Wigan.'

Houllier believes City will begenuine title contenders this season. He said: 'It looks as if they areclicking now and scoring goals, getting results and competing for thetitle which is a huge step from last year.

'I think Roberto Mancini is doing agreat job there. I know him. We are good friends - he is a goodmanager, very successful. "He kept his head high and straight when hewas under pressure.'

Show some respect! Houllier is out to steal our Adam, blasts HollowaySunderland boss Bruce blasts Houllier over pursuit of Bent